This worldwide Order of Birds ranges from tiny Elf Owl of North America to huge Eagle Owl of Eurasia. As predators, Members of Owl Family regard anything that moves as fair game. While Elf Owl eats Insects, Eagle Owl feasts on Deer. Because most Members of Owl Family fly at night, They occupy the same niche in the eco-system as Hawks and Eagles. Native Americans called the Owl Family “Night Eagles”.
Members of the Owl Family are divided into two groups. The older, smaller group of Barn Owls and Bay Owls (Tytonidae) are distinctive with their heart-shaped faces. They have longer skulls, beaks, and legs than the newer group of Owls (Strigidae) do. The round-headed Owls, that most people see, are from the larger Strigidae Family.
Because so few Birds are nocturnal and the majority of Owls (Strigiformes) are, people respected but distrusted Them. Japanese regarded Barn Owl and Horned Owls as demonic. In Borneo, Scops Owls were thought of as ill omens to be avoided at all costs. The Romans believed that any Owl sucked the blood of babies.
However, Ancient Greeks welcomed Little Owl as their Goddess of Wisdom’s Friend. In Hawai’i, Pueo (Hawai’ian Owl) is a protector. As ‘Aumakau, Pueo is the ancestor guardian who watches over the family. Because Barn Owl saved Genghis Khan from his enemies, Mongolians revered Her. Celts look upon Tawny Owl as one of the five oldest animals on earth.
Members of the Owl Family represent the fears, anxieties, and wisdom of people. However to see Owls as They truly are brings about a greater appreciation of their role in nature. Owls are master predators that keep their territories from being overrun by Rodents. Various Owls have exploited all kinds of environments ranging from frozen tundra to arid deserts. In fact, Barn Owl makes her home on nearly every continent on earth. Members of the Owl Family live in dead trees, on buildings, and burrows in the ground. They hunt during the day as well as at night.
Owls seek their own counsel in what They do. They seize what opportunities there are, and exploit them to the maximum. Owl Family teaches you to follow your own inner wisdom. Seek your own counsel and increase your opportunities.
Take time to read what the Individual Owl Teachers have to teach.
Conservation Note: Spotted Owl is endangered in North America.
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Va. Carper
July 23, 2007